The story of a game is the beating heart behind every action, the element that connects the player emotionally to the experience. While gameplay and graphics are essential components, it is the narrative that often defines the depth and impact of a game. In this list, you’ll find out about the games with the best stories of all time.
The best stories in games make you think, move you and leave a lasting impression.
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List: the 20 games with the best stories of all time
- The Last of Us
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Bioshock
- Final Fantasy VII
- God of War (2018)
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Mass Effect 2
- NieR: Automata
- Shadow of the Colossus
- Undertale
- Metal Gear Solid
- Silent Hill 2
- Chrono Trigger
- Persona 5
- Spec Ops: The Line
- Life is Strange
- Half-Life 2
- Firewatch
- To the Moon
Discover the games with the best stories of all time
The Last of Us
“The Last of Us is a milestone in video game storytelling. The story follows Joel and Ellie, two survivors in a world devastated by a fungal infection that has turned most of the population into monsters. The plot explores themes of loss, survival and human connection, with complex characters and a plot that defies expectations. The relationship between Joel and Ellie is central to the narrative, making it one of the games with the best stories of all time.
Red Dead Redemption 2
“Red Dead Redemption 2” offers an epic story set in the Wild West, centered on the character Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in search of redemption. The narrative unfolds in a vast open world, where every choice made by the player influences the fate of Arthur and those around him. The depth of the characters and the realism of human interactions make this game a narrative masterpiece, tackling themes such as loyalty, morality and the decline of an outsider’s days.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” is known for its rich and complex narrative, centered on Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter in a fantasy world shrouded in war and magic. The game is full of difficult moral choices and side quests with deep and engaging stories. The main plot, which revolves around Geralt’s search for his adopted daughter, Ciri, is full of twists and memorable characters, making the game one of the most praised for its story.
Bioshock
“Bioshock” presents an intriguing and disturbing story set in the underwater city of Rapture. The plot explores philosophical themes such as objectivism and free will, while the player unravels the mystery behind the fall of Rapture and the enigmatic Andrew Ryan. The narrative is full of surprises, including one of the most famous plot twists in video game history, which solidifies “Bioshock” as one of the most memorable games in terms of story.
Final Fantasy VII
“Final Fantasy VII” revolutionized the narrative of RPGs with its epic and emotional story. The game follows Cloud Strife and his companions as they fight against the Shinra corporation and the villain Sephiroth, who seeks to destroy the world. The plot is complex, touching on themes such as identity, sacrifice and eco-terrorism, and is widely remembered for its emotional impact and the depth of the characters. The death of one of the main characters has become an iconic moment in gaming history.
God of War (2018)
2018’s “God of War” reinvents the franchise with a mature and deeply emotional story. Kratos, the Spartan with a dark past, is now Atreus’ father, and together they embark on a journey to scatter the ashes of Atreus’ mother on the highest peak of the realms. The narrative is an exploration of fatherhood, redemption and Norse mythology, presenting one of the most intense and touching stories in video games.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offers an epic narrative of exploration and discovery. Although the main story is relatively simple, with Link trying to save the kingdom of Hyrule from the villain Ganon, it’s the way the game allows the player to build their own journey that makes it special. The freedom to explore and discover pieces of the story on your own, combined with the immersive atmosphere, makes this game a narrative masterpiece.
Mass Effect 2
“Mass Effect 2” is a space opera that combines intense action with a gripping narrative. The game follows Commander Shepard as he assembles a team to face a galactic threat. Each member of the team has their own story and motivations, and the choices made throughout the game affect the outcome of the plot. The narrative is deep and multifaceted, dealing with themes such as sacrifice, loyalty and survival, making “Mass Effect 2” one of the best games of all time.
NieR: Automata
“NieR: Automata” is a masterpiece of video game narrative, offering a complex and emotionally charged story. The game explores existence and consciousness through the eyes of androids in a war against machines. The narrative is profound, touching on philosophical and existential themes, and is presented in a way that defies traditional gaming conventions. With multiple endings and a story that unfolds little by little, “NieR: Automata” is a unique and unforgettable experience.
Shadow of the Colossus
“Shadow of the Colossus” is a minimalist but deeply emotional story about a young man who must defeat gigantic colossi in order to resurrect a girl. The narrative is told in a subtle way, through the actions of the protagonist and the atmosphere of the game, creating a melancholic and introspective experience. The fight against the colossi is both epic and tragic, and the story deals with themes such as sacrifice and the consequences of actions.
Undertale
“Undertale” subverts the expectations of traditional games with its innovative narrative and charming characters. The game allows the player to choose between sparing or killing enemies, with each decision impacting the story and the end of the game. The narrative touches on themes such as empathy, friendship and the consequences of choices, and is widely praised for its ability to touch players in a deep and emotional way. It is also among the games with the best stories of all time.
Metal Gear Solid
“Metal Gear Solid” is known for its complex story full of twists and turns, involving espionage, politics and military technology. The game follows Solid Snake, an elite soldier, on a mission to dismantle a nuclear weapon. The narrative is rich in detail and characters, with intelligent dialog and deep themes about war and peace. “Metal Gear Solid” set a new standard for cinematic storytelling in video games.
Silent Hill 2
“Silent Hill 2” is a masterpiece of psychological horror, with a disturbing and emotionally charged story. The game follows James Sunderland, who travels to the mysterious town of Silent Hill after receiving a letter from his dead wife. The narrative explores themes such as guilt, depression and loss, and is full of symbolism and metaphors. The oppressive atmosphere and emotional depth make this game one of the best stories ever told in a video game.
Chrono Trigger
“Chrono Trigger” is a classic RPG with a gripping story about time travel and the fight against an impending apocalypse. The game is known for its rich, well-structured narrative, multiple endings and memorable characters. The story explores themes such as friendship, sacrifice and the struggle against fate, and is widely considered to be one of the best ever created in a video game.
Persona 5
“Persona 5” combines school life with battles against supernatural forces in a narrative that deals with themes of freedom and oppression. The player takes on the role of a high school student who, together with his friends, becomes part of the “Phantom Thieves”, fighting against the injustices of society. The story is rich in detail, with complex characters and a plot that grips you from start to finish.
Spec Ops: The Line
“Spec Ops: The Line” offers one of the most shocking and provocative narratives in video games. The game follows Captain Martin Walker on a rescue mission in a devastated Dubai. As the story progresses, Walker and his team are confronted with moral dilemmas and horrors of war that challenge the player’s sanity. Certainly one of the games with the best stories of all time.
Life is Strange
“Life is Strange” is an interactive narrative centered on Max Caulfield, a photography student who discovers he has the ability to go back in time. The game explores themes such as friendship, love and the consequences of choices, with a story that unfolds according to the player’s decisions. The plot is emotionally engaging and tackles important issues such as bullying, depression and the impact of decisions on our lives.
Half-Life 2
“Half-Life 2” is a science fiction narrative that combines intense action with a gripping story. The game follows Gordon Freeman in his fight against the oppressive alien occupation of Earth. The narrative is skillfully told through the environment and interaction with the characters, creating an immersive and impactful story. “Half-Life 2” is widely considered to be one of the best games ever made, both for its gameplay and its narrative.
Firewatch
“Firewatch” is an introspective and emotional narrative about isolation and human connection. The game follows Henry, a forest watchman, who develops a relationship with his supervisor, Delilah, through a radio. The story is told in a subtle way, focusing on dialog and exploring the environment. The narrative explores themes such as loneliness, loss and trust, offering a deeply personal and moving experience.
To the Moon
“To the Moon” is an indie game acclaimed for its moving and emotionally intense story. The game follows two doctors who are tasked with fulfilling a dying man’s last wish, traveling through his memories to alter his desires and regrets. The narrative is powerful, exploring themes such as love, regret and the nature of memories. “To the Moon” is a unique experience that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who plays it. It rounds off the list of games with the best stories of all time.
The games with the best stories of all time are those that manage to transcend the screen and connect emotionally with the player, leaving a lasting impression. If you’re a fan of good stories, stay tuned to our website for more content on the world of games:
